Gadsden County Sherriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a man suspected of murder at a Chattahoochee night club in the early morning hours of April 27. Willie Gene Westberry III, 28, is accused of shooting Sterling S. Johnson, also 28, at least four times, including once in the face execution-style, outside C.J.’s Sports Bar and Grille.
“We need the public’s help in finding Westberry. He is considered armed and dangerous. We ask that individuals be good witnesses and if you see Westberry use extreme caution and do not approach him; instead call your local police department,” said Capt. Jim Corder of the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office.

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Willie Gene Westberry III

Corder said a 911 call into GCSO dispatch at 3:11 a.m. The unidentified caller said that someone had been shot and was lying on the ground outside the bar. When deputies arrived they found Johnson lying on the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Another man, who was not identified, was shot in the lower leg. He was treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries and released.

“Several witnesses told us there was an altercation inside the bar and bouncers were able to get everyone out. Shots were fired and Westberry pulled out a gun and began shooting into the crowd,” Corder said.

Westberry, who lives at 2525 Texas St., Tallahassee, is said to have come to Chattahoochee for a party that night at the bar. Following the shooting, Westberry left the scene in a car driven by someone else.

Monday, according to Corder, Westberry called the GCSO twice and said he wanted to tell his side of the story about the shooting but would not meet authorities in person.

Several agencies including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Chattahoochee Police Department, U.S. Marshall Fugitive Task Force and Leon County Sheriff’s Office are working with the GSCO to apprehend Westberry.
“He has a criminal background,” Corder said, “and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office is very familiar with him.”

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact the GCSO at 850-627-9233 or Crime Stoppers at 850-574 TIPS. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward.